The Forrest City times., 1887-11-26
REFORMING DRUNkARDS.
How a New York Business Man
 Secures Fmcfcut CIerk0.

HOW 0 NeW OTA Duolu~vv M 0ss
 Secures Emcicnt Clerks.
 Business men of enterprise frequent ly have novel ideas, says letter from New York. but probably the most curi- ous mode of conducting trade that has come to light even in this city of odd freaks. is that adopted by . wholesale dealer in notions and dry goods on Broadway near Howard street His name is kown to dealers in that line of goods through the country, and his store is probably ono of tho largest of this kind, but, as his secret was confid- ed to me under the promise not to re- veal his identity, feel bound to with hold it, at the same time vouching for the correctness of the story
 My friend became aqualnted with this merchants peculiar idea through busi- ness intercourse. A week ago he en- tered the store, intending to purchase some dry goods that had been advertis- ed very cheap. As he stepped over the threshold he was accosted by . clerk who at once attracted his atteu- tion. He was man past middle age. with shabby genteel air that was very striking. His face was rather bloated. his eyes blinked and were red. his hands trembled, and his breath was re- dolent of strong drink. My friend was amazed, and looked around to. see # some salesman of more prepossesslng appearance would not present himself To his intense surprise, of the half doz- en clerks in sight all had the same air of dilap;dated gentility. Before he could collect his senses tho man beside him began to inquire as to the particu- lar style of goods he desired to see. His voice, though harsh and discord- ant. had some pleasing and attractive qualities, and it was evident that his understanding of the business was thorough.
 A few days later, he met a person the proprietor of the dry goods store, from whom he learned the secret of the salesman's appearance. It seems that the merchant conceived the idea of en. ploying as salesmen as many broken. down merchants in his line of business as he could find. He discovered that most of the ex-employers who had fail ed. and whom he could expect to secure at such salaries as he was willing to pay, were men whoes downfall was mainly due to intemperance.
 He discharged all the sober clerks and employed new batch of broken. down merchants. Then he gathered them all together and told them the con- dtions under which they would have to work. He first reminded them of their failing and told them that they would have to curb 1t.
 Now. gentleman" he is alleged to have said. 'ft is not to be presumed that, inasmuch as you could not keep sober when your own business interests were involved. you will be able under ordinary circumstances to stop drink ing because want you to do so. Even if you don't get drunk during business hours your bats at night will probably incapacitate you for work the next day." 1.-The only way to prevent that is to keep you from temptation even when you are not actually at work. That will be for your interests as well as for mine. What l am going to do is this: am going to fix up rooms for you on the top floor where you can stay at night and sleep. l will have your hiCRto sNhh itOfh itcldut ant ICut " and you will be well fed at my expense. You must not leave this establishment except with my permission. but l will see that you get plenty of fresh air and out door exercse. l will pay you we'll and will expect you to do your utmost to sell my goods just as though you were yourselves the proprietors. At any time you want to quit of course you need only say so. In order to sat- isfy your cravings for drink. you will receive regular rations of whisky every day. By gradually diminishing the quantity. the grip it has upon you will be loosened. You can save money and with perseverance you will be able to give up your bad habits and once more become respectable members of so- cetv.
 Nearly all acceded 10 the conditions Some have dropped out by breaking the rules. for the proprietor is very strict. but most of them have observed the faithfully. A few have been able to overcome their passion and have start ed in business for themselves again. As they drop out their places are filled by new men. As far as the proprietor is concerned. he is said to have found it profitable plan.